Sold Out Israeli Dance Performance Celebrates Jewish Culture
Blending traditional forms and modern contemporary styles, the Los Angeles Israeli Dance Company captures the excitement and flavor of Israeli dance. Comprised of Milken students along with dancers from other Los Angeles area schools, the team is in its 15th season, and will be performing in the sold-out annual Milken dance concert on Tuesday March 27.
Founding Director David Dassa explained that the team portrays Israel in a positive light when often the news on Israel is negative. The company has performed at many secular festivals and other settings where it is important to present a positive representation of the Jewish people. Most of the pieces they perform he says promote peace and acceptance of all.
“Our team members make a very personal and positive connection to Israel and Judaism, as every piece we do has some type of Jewish connection and theme,” said Dassa. “Our company also gives the dancers a chance to perform community service through dance as they go out into the community into different arenas to share their cultural experiences.”
“Our team members make a very personal and positive connection to Israel and Judaism, as every piece we do has some type of Jewish connection and theme,” said Dassa. “Our company also gives the dancers a chance to perform community service through dance as they go out into the community into different arenas to share their cultural experiences.”
Students find the dance team to be a way to connect with their heritage. “Being on the dance team has allowed me to express my Jewish identity through movement, which is something that I love doing,” said Eden Sweet ’22. “When I am dancing to famous Jewish songs, I feel connected to Israel because I can understand the Hebrew words, and translate the words to my feelings of Israel, and then translate those feelings into dance.”
Performing with the team, the dancers agree, is much more than just about dancing; it has been a bridge to connect them with Israel and bolster their Jewish identities. “Being a part of the team has strengthened my Jewish identity and connection to Israel because when dancing I feel a connection to the music and can connect because I know that this music is one part of my background and my ancestors,” explained Celine Behnam ’21. “Through the company I have learned a lot about Israeli culture and current events,” remarked Clara Pitt ’18, who has danced with the team for five years. “I believe that through my education in these realms, I have strengthened my connection to Israel. Additionally, by integrating Jewish ideals and ideas into dance, I have also strengthened by Jewish Identity.”
According to Dassa, Israeli dance is a collaboration of folk dance elements from many different cultures that migrated to modern Israel at the turn of the century until 1948 when it became a Jewish state. Early influences included Eastern Europe such as the Hora step from Romania, and also polka, Cherkessia and Grapevine (Mayim) steps. The other dominate folk culture was Arabic steps such as the Debka step and Yeminite steps. He noted that all of those folk elements appear in their new Hora "70" piece, which was choreographed for the upcoming Milken concert and Yom Ha’atzmaut. The dance company rehearses twice a week for a total of 4 1/2 hours at Anissa's School of Dance in Sherman Oaks.
Performing with the team, the dancers agree, is much more than just about dancing; it has been a bridge to connect them with Israel and bolster their Jewish identities. “Being a part of the team has strengthened my Jewish identity and connection to Israel because when dancing I feel a connection to the music and can connect because I know that this music is one part of my background and my ancestors,” explained Celine Behnam ’21. “Through the company I have learned a lot about Israeli culture and current events,” remarked Clara Pitt ’18, who has danced with the team for five years. “I believe that through my education in these realms, I have strengthened my connection to Israel. Additionally, by integrating Jewish ideals and ideas into dance, I have also strengthened by Jewish Identity.”
According to Dassa, Israeli dance is a collaboration of folk dance elements from many different cultures that migrated to modern Israel at the turn of the century until 1948 when it became a Jewish state. Early influences included Eastern Europe such as the Hora step from Romania, and also polka, Cherkessia and Grapevine (Mayim) steps. The other dominate folk culture was Arabic steps such as the Debka step and Yeminite steps. He noted that all of those folk elements appear in their new Hora "70" piece, which was choreographed for the upcoming Milken concert and Yom Ha’atzmaut. The dance company rehearses twice a week for a total of 4 1/2 hours at Anissa's School of Dance in Sherman Oaks.
One of their most high profile performances comes each year when the team performs during halftime at a Clippers Game on Jewish Heritage Night. This year marked their 11th NBA halftime show. Watch it here.
The team has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the dancers through their shared love of dancing, Judaism, and Israel. Sweet summed it up when she said, “Being part of the team has not only connected me to other dancers, and has allowed me to make new friends, but has helped me find myself as a dancer, and learn from others. The Israeli dance team is more than just a dance team; we are a family.”
The team has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the dancers through their shared love of dancing, Judaism, and Israel. Sweet summed it up when she said, “Being part of the team has not only connected me to other dancers, and has allowed me to make new friends, but has helped me find myself as a dancer, and learn from others. The Israeli dance team is more than just a dance team; we are a family.”
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